MANCINI SMOOTH SAILING TO BRIDGEPORT WIN

by Deb Smith

The racing action was unbelievable!  After heavy rain and wind, Doug Rose and the track crew had the Bridgeport Motorsports Park track ready and waiting for Saturday action and what action there was!   Five feature events and all five winners captured their first wins of the 2024 season on a night of racing sponsored by Ross Racing-CAR Tools.  For Paul Mancini and Michael Beckett the wins marked career firsts.  For Ethan Bill, Nick Sandone and Lee Allen the wins were first of the season.  For Buddy Schweibinz, after back-to-back championships with the Mid Atlantic Sprint Series, it was a first Bridgeport victory for the No. 35 team.

Nineteen year old, Paul Mancini, completely turned his 2024 season around in just one race!

After an unfortunate incident on the first lap of the season opener, Mancini returned to the High Banks to try again.  After leading every lap of his heat race and then the feature, Mancini raced to the first win of his career in the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz thirty lap Modified feature event.  

Stan Frankenfield, Jr. sat on the pole with Mancini to his outside.  The two drivers raced side-by-side into turn one but Mancini was able to roll off of turn two and take the lead.  And he never looked back.

It was probably a good thing that he couldn’t see behind him because the battle for second on back was hot and heavy as Frankenfield dueled with Jim Gallagher, Jr., Danny Bouc and Dillon Steuer in the early part of the race.  A lap fourteen restart saw Frankenfield edge out in front briefly before Mancini regained the lead as Bouc and Gallagher made it a four car race for the lead.  At the crossed flags, Mancini led the way over Frankenfield, Bouc, Gallagher and Steuer.  

A few laps later, Steuer found himself in a battle for fifth with Jojo Watson, Billy Pauch, Jr. and then opening day winner, Matt Stangle threw his hat into the ring.  

Gallagher brought out the caution with ten laps to go.  The restart that followed saw Bouc get by Frankenfield for second but Frankenfield was not going to go away without a fight as he battled back to reclaim the position.  

Three No. 6s battled it out behind Mancini in the final laps as Stangle made a late race charge to take over second.   Mancini had built quite a lead and time ran out before Stangle could close in on the leader.  Mancini raced to the checkered for the win over Stangle, Frankenfield, Steuer and Bouc.  Jojo Watson finished sixth followed by Billy Osmun, III, Pauch, Jr., Rick Laubach and Ryan Krachun.

CAR Tool heat races were won by Frankenfield, Mancini and Gallagher with Mike Franz taking the consolation.

Ethan Bill raced to an upset victory, taking the lead from Matt Peck just two laps before the checkered after a heated battle among the top five throughout the twenty-five lap Ice Less LLC 602 Sportsman feature.  

Shane Kassekert led the first two laps before Peck took command on lap three.  Peck led the way over the Hill-Bill & Hill show as James Hill, Ethan Bill and Travis Hill battled for position with Brian Papiez wrestling his way into the mix.  

After battling a tight race car early in the race, Bill got better as the race went on.  With a move to the inside of Peck in turn three, Bill slid his way by Peck in turn four, taking the lead as the pair raced down the homestretch.  Bill countered another slide by Peck and moved ahead as he exited turn two on lap twenty-four.  

Bill took the win over Peck, Papiez, James Hill and Travis Hill.  Adam White finished sixth followed by Stephen Yankowski, Jax Yohn, Howie Finch and Thomas Prychka.

Hoffman Discount Parts heat races were won by Kassekert (his first heat win), Billy Chester and Brian Papiez.

After securing two championships and numerous wins at several tracks in the DCB Plumbing & Heating Mid Atlantic Sprint Series, Buddy Schweibinz started the 2024, still looking for his first win at his home track – Bridgeport.  After a bad pill draw for his heat race, Schweibinz came up with the outside pole for the feature, starting alongside of opening day winner, Kevin Nagy.

Nagy led the first four laps before Schweibinz took the lead on a lap five restart as he and Nagy raced out of turn two.  Bob DeVault took over third from Tim Tanner.  Dave Brown made a late race charge to challenge Tanner, taking over fourth on the final lap.

It was Schweibinz for the win over Nagy, DeVault, Brown and Tim Tanner.  Kenny Laureno finished sixth followed by Larry McVay, Troy Betts, Eddie Wagner and Aidan Borden.

McVay and Laureno were the winners of the All Star Auto Glass heat races.

Nick Sandone raced to the win in the held-over Street Stock feature event, taking the lead with three laps to go when Lee Allen was involved in an incident with a lapped car.  Brian Ludwig finished second with Allen rebounding to third at the checkered over Terry Chaney and Matt Malachatka.

Allen came back to win the regular feature event over Gary Klimeczak and Chris Allen.  Spider Ensinger, Jr. finished fourth with Sandone rounding out the top five.

Michael Beckett raced to the win in the first race of the season in the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie feature.  Beckett raced from his third place start to take the lead on the first lap.  Ashley Therien finished second followed by Nathan Austin and RJ Witcraft.

DANNY’S PIZZA PIZZAZZ MODIFIED FEATURE (30 LAPS):

Paul Mancini, 2. Matt Stangle, 3. Stan Franenfield, Jr., 4. Dillon Steuer, 5. Danny Bouc, 6. Joseph Watson, 7. Billy Osmun, 8. Billy Pauch, Jr., 9. Rick Laubach, 10. Ryan Krachun, 11. Sammy Martz, Jr., 12. Sam Martz, Sr., 13. Neal Williams, 14. H. J. Bunting, 15. Cale Ross, 16. Jordan Watson, 17. Roger Manning, 18. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 19. Cole Stangle, 20. Mike Franz, 21. Brandon Grosso, 22. Justin Grosso, 23. Mike Barone, 24. Brad Roberts, DNQ – Greg Nailor, J. R. Fulper

ICE LESS 602 SPORTSMAN FEATURE (25 LAPS):

Ethan Bill, 2. Matt Peck, 3. Brian Papiez, 4. James Hill, 5. Travis Hill, 6. Adam White, 7. Stephen Yankowski, 8. Jax Yohn, 9. Howie Finch, 10. Thomas Prychka, 11. Billy Chester, 12. Michael Beckett, 13. Ethan Young, 14. Craig Pellegrini, 15. Bryan Olsen, 16. Dave Damiano, 17. Scott Hulmes, 18. Nathan Austin, 19. Shane Kassekert, 20. Pete Serra, 21. Brian Rogers, 22. Ashley Therien, 23. Robert Tete, 24. Erik Mattson, 25. Tom Sherby, DNQ – R.J. Witcraft, Ed Owens, Luke Bunting

D.A.’S AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIE FEATURE (7 LAPS)

Michael Beckett, 2. Ashley Therien, 3. Nathan Austin, 4. R.J. Witcraft, DNS – Kenny Ott

DCB PLUMBING & HEATING MASS SPRINT FEATURE (25 LAPS)

Buddy Schweibinz, 2. Kevin Nagy, 3. Bob Devault, 4. Dave Brown, 6. Kenny Laureno, 7. Larry McVay, 8. Troy Betts, 9. Eddie Wagner, 10. Aidan Borden, 11. D. J. Tanner, Jr., 12. Dan Leaper, 13. Jeff Paulson, 14. Jared Kreider, 15. Jon Brennfleck, 16. Dirk Rimrott, 17. Cory Cornell, 18. Rick Stief, DNS – Tim Iulg, Len Vermerlen

CAR TOOLS STREET STOCK MAKE-UP FEATURE FROM 3/30/2024 (15 LAPS)

Nick Sandone, III, 2. Brian Ludwig, 3. Lee Allen, 4. Terry Chaney, 5. Matt Malachatka, DNS – Gary Bozowski

CAR TOOLS STREET STOCK FEATURE (15 LAPS)

Lee Allen, 2. Gary Klimeczak, 3. Christopher Allen, Sr., 4. Spider Ensinger, Jr., 5. Nick Sandone, III, 6. Brian Ludwig, 7. Darren Cox, 8. Matt Malachatka, 9. Tracey Appleby, DNS – Terry Chaney, Gray Bozowski, Mike Hughes

SPRINT CARS & MODIFIED’S THIS SATURDAY NIGHT, 4/13

‼️ SPRINT CARS & MODIFIEDS RETURN SATURDAY NIGHT TO SLIDE JOB CITY WITH ALL THE STARS OF THE Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series PLUS, SPORTSMAN, STREET STOCKS, & ROOKIE SPORTSMAN. BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY OUT THIS SATURDAY NIGHT FOR A GREAT NIGHT OF RACING & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT ‼️
🗓 Saturday April 13 – presented by CAR Tools
🌟 MODIFIEDS – presented by Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Franklinville
🌟 SPRINT CARS – @Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series
🌟 SPORTSMAN – presented by @Ice Less llc
🌟 STREET STOCKS – make up feature from 3/30
🌟 STREET STOCKS – complete regular points event
🌟 ROOKIE SPORTSMAN – First points event
🏎 3:00 Pits
🎟 4:00 Grandstands
🚦 5:00 Cars on track
📺 Watch all events live at https://dirttrackdigest.tv
#ponymovie #kingdomofspeed #sprintcar #dirttrackracing #bridgeportspeedway #southjersey

MODIFIEDS & SPRINTS CARS HEADLINE SATURDAY NIGHT ACTION

📢 NEXT UP……

‼️ THIS SATURDAY NIGHT, HARD CORE FOOT TO THE FLOOR ACTION WITH THE GROUND POUNDING MODIFIEDS AND SLIDE JOBS GALORE Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series SPRINT CARS AT BRIDGEPORT MOTORSPORTS PARK. BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY OUT FOR A GREAT NIGHT OF RACING & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT. Please Like & Share this post ‼️

🗓 Saturday April 13 – presented by CAR Tools

🌟 MODIFIEDS – presented by @Danny’s Pizza Pizzaz

🌟 SPRINT CARS – @Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series

🌟 SPORTSMAN – presented by @Ice Less llc

🌟 STREET STOCKS – make up feature from 3/30

🌟 STREET STOCKS – complete regular points event

🌟 ROOKIE SPORTSMAN – First points event

🏎 3:00 Pits

🎟 4:00 Grandstands

🚦 5:00 Cars on track

📺 Watch all events live at https://dirttrackdigest.tv

#ponymovie #kingdomofspeed #sprintcar #dirttrackracing #bridgeportspeedway #southjersey

THIS WEEKENDS EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED

Due to Cold Temps, Excessive Winds, & Saturated Grounds we feel it is in the best interest of everyone, Fans, Racers, and Staff to just cancel this weekend and move on to warmer weather. This Saturday and Sunday are forecasted to be 52 degrees at start time with 10 – 15 mph winds.

Sprint Car fans, we have been in contact with Lincoln Speedway Management with what our thoughts were for the weekend. They had expressed interest if we were not going to race this weekend they would like to run an efficient 1 division Sprint Car program. In collaboration we all felt this is a good fit for the Central PA Drivers and Fans.

We will all look forward to brighter warmer weather next weekend. Stay warm and see you all soon.

STANGLE WEATHERS THE STORM FOR THE WIN

Matt Stangle showed why he is known as “Matty Ice” has he led every lap of the forty lap Doug Hoffman Memorial Race at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park sponsored by All Star Auto Glass.  Stangle held off the challenges of some stout competition to claim his first win of the 2024 season.  Unlike many in the starting line-up, Stangle came to stock car racing after Hoffman’s reign but his father and former competitor, John Stangle, remembers Hoffman well – “He was the best!”

The six division show, rescheduled after a very wet and cold previous weekend, got underway in spite of a shower just as the cars were beginning to take to the track for warm-ups.  Doug Rose met with the drivers and the mutual decision was made to race and hope that another shower wouldn’t interrupt the show.  This event was ultimately cancelled last season after three attempts fell to weather conditions.  

Rose, with the cooperation of all involved, kept the show moving and the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Modifieds took to the High Banks for the forty lap feature event.  

By luck of the draw,  Frank Cozze started on the pole with Stangle on the outside of the front row as the field lined up for the green flag.  Stangle rolled by Cozze on the outside as the pair exited turn two on the first lap.  The early laps were interrupted my numerous cautions.  Mike Gular wend end-for-end in turns three and four, drawing a red.  Gular was not injured but his race on this night ended early.  On the next lap, a incident that started in turn four as Roger Manning got airborne, landing in the infield of turn four, end on the homestretch with Ryan Krachun on top of Danny Bouc.  Krachun’s damage was minimal but he just missed returning to the field before the green flag waved on the restart.  Bouc’s damage was more extensive, ending his race in the early going.

Stangle led the way over Cozze, Neal Williams, Alex Yankowski and Billy Pauch, Jr. on lap ten with Pauch advancing from his ninteenth place start.  Cozze pitted with a flat moving Williams to the runner-up spot and allowing HJ Bunting to break into the top five.

There was some great racing just outside the top five as 2023 Bridgeport Champion, Jordan Watson, Billy Osmun, JR Fulper, Dominick Buffalino, Ryan Watt and Cale Ross battled three and four wide for position.  Positions went back and forth for many laps.  

Williams saw a chance to grab the lead on a lap thirty-four restart but Yankowski was the ultimate benefactor as he moved into second over Pauch, Buffalino and Jordan Watson.  Ryan Watt took over fifth in the final laps.  Stangle took the win over Yankowski, Pauch, Buffalino and Watt who raced from 22nd to finish fifth in a strong effort in his Ron Roberts Racing No. 14w.

Jordan Watson finished sixth (from 17th) followed by Cale Ross (7th from 23rd), Williams, Osmun and Fulper.

Stangle celebrated the win in Victory Lane with the Ace Materials No. 6, family, crew members and friends.  

F&L Door heat races were won by Paul Mancini, Rick Laubach and Billy Osmun III.

The DCB Plumbing Mid Atlantic Sprint Series (MASS) opened their 2024 season with a twenty lap feature event.

Polesitter, Joe Kay had the early race lead but was quickly challenged by 2023 Bridgeport MASS Champion, Kevin Nagy.  Nagy quickly closed in on Kay and raced into the lead on lap three.  On lap four, Bob DeVault took a ride between turns one and two.  The driver escaped injury but the No. 4 was not as lucky.  It was DeVault’s family business – All Star Auto Glass – who sponsored Saturday night’s event and it sure wasn’t part of DeVault’s plan to end the night on the back of a tow truck.

Back-to-back MASS Champion, Buddy Schweibinz closed in on Kay but raced behind Nagy and Kay through lap ten.  Dave Brown and Ryan Stillwaggon rounded out the top five at this point.  

As the field headed to the crossed flags, Kay got high in turn four, allowing Schweibinz to move into second.  Kay pulled in two laps later.  Larry McVay and Troy Betts raced in the top five as the laps began to countdown in the second half of the race.  

Even though Schweibinz was able to cut in to Nagy’s lead as the leaders raced through lapped traffic, he was never able to get within striking distance.  Nagy was able to search the track for the best line to run and the No. 45 was good no matter where he drove on the High Banks.  

It was Nagy for the win over Schweibinz, Brown, McVay and Betts who was making his first 305 start.  Tim Iulg finished sixth in the Ale No. 19A followed by Thomas Radivoy, DJ Tanner, Darren Cox and Eddie Wagner.  

Brown found a lot of success by racing the bottom of the track while most of the other competitors raced higher on the track.

Schweibinz, Nagy and Kay were the winners of the three qualifying heat races.  Ryan Stillwaggon set fast time in hot laps, turning the High Banks in just 15.05 seconds.

The Victory Fuel 602 Wingless Sprints were the first feature of the night.  2023 Bridgeport Champion, Brian Spencer, looked to be in winning form as he led the way in the fifteen lap feature event.  

Spencer led the way on the lap fourteen restart but the leader got high in turns one and two, allowing Rich Mellor to drive into the lead.  Mellor led the final two laps for the win over Spencer, Shea Wills, Zak Brown and Matt Peck who was making his first start in the wingless sprints.

David Swanson finished sixth followed by Walt Fletcher, Stan Ploski III, Dan Leaper who was also making his first start in the wingless sprints, with Tim Hannen rounding out the top ten.

Spencer and Ploski were the Victory Fuel heat winners.

The Ice Less LLC 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks and Four Cylinder feature events will be made up on dates to be announced.

SPECIAL THANK YOU – Doug and Brittany Rose want to thank all of the race teams for their cooperation and efforts that enabled them to complete as much of the Doug Hoffman Memorial show as possible.  The support of the competitors and fans is very much appreciated!

DANNY’S PIZZA PIZZAZZ MODIFIEDS – DOUG HOFFMAN MEMORIAL (40 LAPS)
1. Matt Stangle, 2. Alex Yankowski, 3. Billy Pauch, Jr., 4. Dominick Buffalino, 5. Ryan Watt, 6. Jordan Watson, 7. Cale Ross, 8. Neal Williams, 9. Billy Osmun, 10. J.R. Fulper, 11. Frank Cozze, 12. Joseph Watson, 13. Sam Martz, Sr., 14. Sammy Martz, Jr., 15. Mike Franz, 16. Rick Laubach, 17. H. J. Bunting, 18. Brad Roberts, 19. Mike Barone, 20. Cole Stangle, 21. Ryan Krachun, 22. Danny Bouc, 23. Roger Manning, 24. Mike Gular, 25. Bryan Kuhl, 26. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 27. Paul Mancini, DNS – Stan Frankenfield

DCB PLUMBING & HEATING MID-ATLANTIC SPRINT SERIES (25 LAPS)
1. Kevin Nagy, 2. Buddy Schweibinz, 3. Dave Brown, 4. Larry McVay, 5. Troy Betts, 6. Tim Iulg, 7. Thomas Radivoy, 8. D.J. Tanner, Jr., 9. Darren Cox, 10. Eddie Wagner, 11. Jon Brennfleck, 12. Tim Tanner, 13. Rick Stief, 14. Jeff Paulson, 15. Dan Leaper, 16. Aidan Borden, 17. Joe Kay, 18. Ryan Stillwaggon, 19. John Walp, 20. Justin Nowlen, 21. Josh Bricker, 22. Bobby DeVault, DNS – Christian Rumsey, Jared Kreider

VICTORY FUELS WINGLESS SPRINTS (15 LAPS)
1. Rich Mellor, 2. Brian Spencer, 3. Shea Wills, 4. Zak Brown, 5. Matt Peck, 6. David Swanson, 7. Walt Fletcher, 8. Stan Ploski, III, 9. Dan Leaper, 10. Tim Hannen, 11. Heidi Hedin, 12. Isiah Masker, 13. Jonathan Swanson, 14. Joe Byer, 15. Wesley Gomez, 16. Brenden Hires

MODIFIED ENTRY LIST FOR MARCH 30 HOFFMAN MEMORIAL

‼️ MANY HAVE ASKED WHO’S PLANNING TO RACE AT BRIDGEPORT THIS WEEKEND. WE HAVE COMPILED A ROSTER OF DRIVERS FOR YOU. If you want to see the Modified Stars of NJ, PA, DE, & MD we welcome you to come visit us at Bridgeport. It is supposed to be a beautiful 60 degree weekend, come on out and have a great time, see some great racing, and post all your “positive” thoughts on your news feed. Enjoy your racing weekend everyone, Thank you. ‼️
🗓 Friday March 29 – Open Practice for all Divisions
🏎 4:00 Pits
🎟 5:00 Grandstands
🚦 6:15 Cars on track
🗓Saturday March 30 presented by AllState Auto Glass
🌟 MODIFIEDS – 40 laps, $4000 to win – Doug Hoffman Memorial
🌟 SPORTSMAN – $1000 to win
🌟 SPRINT CARS – Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series
🌟 WINGLESS SPRINT CARS (NEWS)
🌟 STREET STOCKS
🌟 4 CYLINDER STOCK CARS
🏎 12:00 Pits
🎟 1:30 Grandstands
🚦 3:00 Cars on track (Flex Schedule could apply)
📢 Full Bridgeport Weekly Rules are in effect.
📺 Watch all events live at https://dirttrackdigest.tv
#ponymovie #kingdomofspeed #sprintcar #dirttrackracing #bridgeportspeedway #southjersey

CAR # DRIVER * HOMETOWN

0 Neal Williams/Pittsgrove, NJ

1 Billy Pauch Jr./Frenchtown NJ

2 Mike Franz/National Park, NJ

2 Mike Gular/Boyertown, PA

2B Dominic Buffalino/Sayreville, NJ

3 Sam Martz/Whitehouse Station, NJ

T3 Tom Scheetz/Boyertown, PA

05 Sean Metz/Georgetown, DE

6 Matt Stangle/Neshanic Station, NJ

6 Danny Bouc/Pipersville, PA

6D Dillon Steuer/Bohemia, NY

7 Rick Laubach/Quakertown, PA

7m Paul Mancini/New Gretna, NJ

14 Brad Roberts Jr. /Newport, DE

14W Ryan Watt/Boyertown, PA

16 Dalyton Strohl/Centerville, MD

21w Joseph Watson/Milford, DE

24 DJ Hunt/Hopewell, NJ

24 Sammy Martz/ Whitehouse Station, NJ

27 David Hunt/Bridgewater, NJ

28F Stan Frankenfield/Bridgewater, NJ

29 Ryan Krachun/Neshanic Station, NJ

30 HJ Bunting/Milford, DE

31 Jim Gallagher Jr /Mickleton, NJ

44 Frank Cozze/Wind Gap, PA

46 Brett Kelly/Pipersville, PA

51 Jordan Watson/Milford, DE

67 JR Fulper/

79 Blaine Bracelin/Gilbertsville, PA

80D David Crossman /Glen Mills, PA

81 Billy Osmun/Milford, NJ

84Y Alex Yankowski/Covington Twp, PA

91 Carson Wright/Georgetown, NJ

112 Cale Ross/Lambertsville, NJ

119 WB James/Salisbury, MD

267 Mike Barone/Glenn Brook, NJ

414 Roger Manning/Wrightstown, PA

THIS SATURDAY MARCH 29 & 30 SEASON & POINT OPENER, HOFFMAN MEMORIAL

‼️ WE ARE JUST 3 DAYS AWAY FROM THE SEASON OPENER, POINTS OPENER, DOUG HOFFMAN MEMORIAL AT BRIDGEPORT MOTORSPORTS PARK. WEATHER IS LOOKING BEAUTIFUL. WE HAVE MODIFIEDS, SPRINT CARS (Both Winged & Wingless), SPORTSMAN, STREET STOCKS, & 4 CYLINDERS. GOING TO BE A FUN WEEKEND OF RACING. SEE YOU ALL SOON. Please Like & Share this post ‼️
🗓 Friday March 29 – Open Practice for all Divisions
🏎 4:00 Pits
🎟 5:00 Grandstands
🚦 6:15 Cars on track
🗓Saturday March 30 presented by AllState Auto Glass
🌟 MODIFIEDS – 40 laps, $4000 to win – Doug Hoffman Memorial
🌟 SPORTSMAN – $1000 to win
🌟 SPRINT CARS – Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series
🌟 WINGLESS SPRINT CARS (NEWS)
🌟 STREET STOCKS
🌟 4 CYLINDER STOCK CARS
🏎 12:00 Pits
🎟 1:30 Grandstands
🚦 3:00 Cars on track (Flex Schedule could apply)
📢 Full Bridgeport Weekly Rules are in effect.
📺 Watch all events live at https://dirttrackdigest.tv
#ponymovie #kingdomofspeed #sprintcar #dirttrackracing #bridgeportspeedway #southjersey

SEASON OPENER MOVED TO MARCH 29 & 30

‼️ THIS WEEKEND BRIDGEPORT MOTORSPORTS PARK GETS THEIR SEASON ROLLING WITH THE SEASON OPENER, POINTS OPENER, & HOFFMAN MEMORIAL with Modifieds going 40 laps for $4000 to win & Sportsman vying for a $1000 payday. Please Like & Share this post ‼️
🗓 Friday March 29 – Open Practice for all Divisions
🏎 4:00 Pits
🎟 5:00 Grandstands
🚦 6:15 Cars on track
🗓 Saturday March 30 presented by AllState Auto Glass
🌟 MODIFIEDS – 40 laps, $4000 to win – Doug Hoffman Memorial
🌟 SPORTSMAN – $1000 to win
🌟 SPRINT CARS – Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series
🌟 WINGLESS SPRINT CARS (NEWS)
🌟 STREET STOCKS
🌟 4 CYLINDER STOCK CARS
🏎 12:00 Pits
🎟 1:30 Grandstands
🚦 3:00 Cars on track (Flex Schedule could apply)
📢 Full Bridgeport Weekly Rules are in effect.
📺 Watch all events live at https://dirttrackdigest.tv
#ponymovie #kingdomofspeed #sprintcar #dirttrackracing #bridgeportspeedway #southjersey

HOFFMAN MEMORIAL WEEKEND POSTPONED

‼️ WITH COLD TEMPS, HIGH WINDS & RAIN FORECASTED THIS WEEKEND WE HAVE DECIDED TO POSTPONE THE HOFFMAN MEMORIAL TO NEXT WEEKEND. Yes, Friday looks clear, but it is forecasted to be 47 degrees with 13 mph winds at start time (6:00) and we just don’t feel it is fair to our Staff, Drivers, & Fans to drag them out. Rain Saturday and again clear Sunday, but cold and windy again. We will regroup and get the season started next weekend with a little Twist. Please Like & Share this post ‼️
💥 We will return next Friday and Saturday for our Season Opener, Points, Opener, & Hoffman Memorial. Saturday, Modifieds will go 40 laps for $4000 to win and Sportsman will compete for 25 laps & $1000 to win. We will have an open practice for ALL Divisions on Friday night. The remainder of Saturday March 30 schedule will remain the same as listed below.
📺 Watch all events live at https://dirttrackdigest.tv
🗓 Friday March 29 – Open Practice for all Divisions
🏎 4:00 Pits
🎟 5:00 Grandstands
🚦 6:15 Cars on track
🗓 Saturday March 30 presented by @AllState Auto Glass
🌟 MODIFIEDS – 40 laps, $4000 to win – Doug Hoffman Memorial
🌟 SPORTSMAN – $1000 to win
🌟 SPRINT CARS – @Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series
🌟 WINGLESS SPRINT CARS (NEWS)
🌟 STREET STOCKS
🌟 4 CYLINDER STOCK CARS
🏎 12:00 Pits
🎟 1:30 Grandstands
🚦 3:00 Cars on track (Flex Schedule could apply)
📢 Full Bridgeport Weekly Rules are in effect.

BRIDGEPORT READIES FOR 2024 SEASON OPENER

The Bridgeport Motorsports Park is ready to throw open the gates and drop the first green flag on the 2024 season as Doug and Brittany Rose begin their fifth season on the High Banks.

The Roses took over the helm for the 2020 season – the year of Covid.  Not the way anyone wants to start a new business but Doug and Brittany showed what they were made of as they weathered the storm of Covid as well as the loss of Danny Serrano before the start of the season.  Doug continues to implement many of the plans that he and Danny had for the speedway.  Always a huge race fan, Danny looked forward to honoring Doug Hoffman every year.

After multiple rainouts last season, Bridgeport Motorsports Park will open the 2024 season with the Doug Hoffmann Memorial weekend.  Racing will begin on Friday, March 22 with Mid Atlantic Sprint Series (MASS), Street Stocks and Four Cylinders in a full show of qualifying events and features.  The Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Modifieds and Ice Less LLC 602 Sportsman will run practice sessions with three spots locked into Saturday’s main events in each division.  

Pit gates open on Friday at 3pm, Grandstands at 5 and racing at 6:15.

On Saturday, the Modifieds will compete in a sixty lap Doug Hoffman Memorial with the winner’s share paying $6,060.  The 602 Sportsman will run their feature event with $1,500 going to the race winner.  There will also be sprint car action with the Victory Fuel Wingless Sprints, Street Stocks and Four Cylinders.

There will be plenty of action on the High Banks in 2024 as Jordan Watson and the Danny Sommerling No. 51 team defend their championship title.  Neal Williams and Cale Ross were the leaders in the win column last season with both drivers capturing three victories each.  Ross would like to pick up where he left off last season where he ended the season with an impressive win in the Danny Serrano Memorial race.

Matt Stangle and Ryan Krachun were strong contenders during the 2023 season and both will be Saturday night regulars on the High Banks this season.  Billy Pauch, Jr. returns to Bridgeport this season as he competes for the first time in his own Modified program.  With Billy Pauch, Sr. retiring from active competition, the Kid’s Kid were be racing the No. 1, moving the No. 15 duties over to Billy Pauch, III who will continue to compete in Junior Slingshot competition.

In addition to Cale Ross, Roger Manning, Mike Franz, JR Fulper, Billy Osmun, Blaine Bracelin, Tommy Sheetz, Mike Barone and Brad Roberts took advantage of Bridgeport’s open practice on Saturday.  Dillon Steuer, who has been very competitive on the High Banks in special events, looks to call Bridgeport his Saturday night home this season.  Joeseph Watson who finished second in points last season, Rick Laubach, HJ Bunting, Sam Martz, Sammy Martz, Jr.. Stan Frankenfield and others will be in competition.  

The 602 Sportsman Championship came right down to the final lap of the final race of the season for Travis Hill to claim a one point advantage over Ethan Bill.  You can bet that the single point has been on Ethan Bill’s mind all winter as he prepares to improve his performance by one position in 2024.  Brian Papiez was the big winner in the feature event in 2023 three but early mechanical issues kept Papiez out of the hunt for the title.  Papiez and his team have worked hard all winter to put themselves in a better position for this year’s title.  Papiez will also have a small block Modified for some special shows this season.  

Matt Peck will pilot the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz 602 Sportsman in Bridgeport competition this season and will look to improve on his strong performance of 2023.  Steven Yankowski, Brian Rogers, Tom Sherby, Howard Hueple, Wayne Weaver, Dave Damiano took part in Bridgeport’s Saturday practice as did Rookie driver, Michael Beckett in the Ed Weeks No. 22.  After back-to-back titles in Spirit Auto Center All Star Slingshots, Beckett moves up to the Sportsman for the 2024 season.  He took full advantage of the practice laps as well.  

Other 602 competitors include former Rookie Champion, Thomas Prychka, Pete Serra, Billy Chester, Howie Finch, Jax Yohn. Shane Kassekart, Ethan Young and Robert Tete.  

Wayne Weaver shared an interesting thought on practice days.  In his 44th year of competition, Weaver was asked if he really needed to practice.  The question came from a fellow competitor and the two drivers shared a laugh.  Weaver’s response?  “The truth of the matter and the answer to the question is NO.  I always looked at practice as an opportunity for me to reconnect with my race car after a long winter.”  There was plenty of “reconnecting” going on this weekend!

The Bridgeport Street Stocks are known for their close competition and there’s no reason to expect anything less from these competitors this season.  2023 Champion, Tom Wills, Jr. does not plan to chase the points this season so we could see a first time champion as Mike Hughes, Jeramy Doerr, Drew Brocklebank, Nick Sandone, Kevin Heckman and TJ Henry can be considered contenders as the season gets underway.

The MASS sprints were well represented during Saturday’s practice.  Leading the way was defending champion, Buddy Schweibinz who was preparing for the first race of the season coming up on Friday.  Schweibinz welcomes two new sponsors this season – South Jersey Mobile Repair and Gentilini Motors.  In spite of all of his success, Schweibinz is still searching for his first Bridgeport victory!

Tim Iulg had the Wade Ale No. 19 in mid-season form as he turned laps around the high banks.  Iulg is certainly one of the contenders among this season’s roster.  2023 MASS Rookie, Jared Kreider carries on the Haggenbottom family tradition with the No. 24.  He also took to the track with the Kelly No. 51 wingless sporting a 360 cubic inch motor.  Shelby Kelly watched from the pits as she nurses a torn ACL before she can return to the cockpit.  Jeff Paulson and Danny Buccafusca were also on hand for practice.  Dan Leaper had his family owned No. 24L looking good in practice and the driver said it was feeling good too.  Leaper will also compete with the NEWS sprinters this season but was plagued with issues during Saturday’s practice but he expects to have those issues resolved by next weekend.  

The Victory Fuel Wingless Sprints were well represented as they prepare for a full season of competition in 2024.  A lot of work has gone on during the off-season with this group and the benefits appear to be in an expanded field of cars.  2023 Bridgeport Champion, Brian Spencer was on hand in addition to Shea Wills and Stan Ploski who return to NEWS action this season.  There were many new faces taking practice.  In addition to Dan Leaper, there are some other Bridgeport competitors that will be competing with the wingless sprints this season.  Matt Peck turned his first laps in a sharp No. 27 sponsored by Linedecker Engines.  Former Hyper Racing 600 Micro Sprint Champion, Connor Gross was also behind the wheel of a wingless sprint for the first time.  

The Four Cylinder competitors also return to Bridgeport this season, led by defending champion, Tim Jones.  These competitors have found the High Banks very much to their liking and have found ways to use every inch of the race track.  Like the Street Stocks, these drivers are stiff competitors on the track but work as a team to prepare their cars and encourage other competitors when help is needed.  Lee Allen found these cars to be quite enjoyable after years as a Street Stock competitor and has been joined by his brother, Chris.  Joe Garey, Senior and Junior, John Parker, 2022 Champion, Ed Ford, Eric Degler and Bobby Johnson and more will be featured on the High Banks on both Friday and Saturday of the Hoffman Memorial Weekend.  

There will be no rest for the weary as Bridgeport gets right into Point racing on Saturday, March 23rd with Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks, MASS, NEWS and 4 cylinders will get the 2024 season title competition underway.

Another three day weekend follows for the first weekend of April as the Spirit Auto Center quarter mile opens for the Dakota Steiner Memorial Race for the 600 Micro Sprints.  The 270 Micro Sprints, All Star and Junior Slingshots will get their season started in addition to Winners Classics for both the 270s and 600s.

Saturday night action on the High Banks will feature the 2024 season opener for the USAC East Coast Wingless Sprints, 602 Sportsman, NEWS, Street Stocks and Vintage.  The DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookies will compete for the first time on this night as well.

The Modified action moves to Sunday, joining the PA Posse Invasion for a fulls show of Modifieds and Sprint Cars.  The 410 will race for a $7500 winner’s share of the purse.

The 2024 season is just days away!  Make sure to add the Bridgeport Motorsports Park to your 2024 schedule where there’s something for every race fan!

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